We are pleased to announce that the first proofs have rolled off the press for the newest MacPherson’s Art Supply Source book designed and published by Creative Catalog Concepts (CCC). Over 500 pages, fully illustrated in color, this is the reference of all references for our industry. Watch for your copy coming soon (2 to 3 weeks)!
Here’s a big shoutout to Beth Bergman of Wet Paint in St Paul, MN. Beth is celebrating her 25th anniversary at the helm of this art industry institution!
Artograph, Inc has announced the addition of John Davis as the new Chief Operating Officer(COO). Don Dow, the company’s CEO says, “John brings a wealth of experience in lean manufacturing and operational management and planning that is so critical in today’s business environment.” 
John will be managing the day to day operations of the business with a focus of applying the principals of Lean Manufacturing and Continual Improvement to all areas of the company. John is married with two children and resides in Buffalo, MN.
The Creative Leisure Newsletter reports that the French corporate parent of the needlecraft maker DMC in the U.S. has been sold to the Bernard Krief Group, a French consulting/investment firm. Joe McCabe, President/CEO of DMC in the U.S. said, “The strategic plans will provide new opportunities for growth and expansion of the existing DMC businesses, especially in conjunction with the current holdings and proposed acquisitions of the Bernard Krief Group.”
Art Outfitters in Little Rock, AR got a great write up in the “Hot in Little Rock”, a daily e-mail newsletter that features all that is cool and happening in Arkansas’ capital city. Check it out: Hot in Little Rock!
Harvey Kanter, former head of Merchandising at Michaels has joined Moosejaw, internet retailer of clothing and lifestyle accessories as their President and CEO. The company is based in Madison, WI.
The Artist’s Palette in Novato, CA is planning to close its doors by summer of this year.
The Greenville News of Greenville South Carolina reports the shocking news that more than $1 million in stolen merchandise from the Hobby Lobby crafts and furniture store supplied the operation of two illegal copycat stores that offered steep discounts that authorities say were “too good to be true.” Read the entire story by clicking on this link: Hobby Lobby Theft
We would like to salute a true Art Dog, Buster, faithful companion to MacPherson’s Southern California Sales Representative Dawn McKay. Buster passed away recently and is sadly missed.
The Chicago Board of Elections selected the Pigma Micron 08 pen for citizens to use to mark their ballots for the 2008 Presidential election. The quick-dry time, waterproof and fade resistant ink qualities translate into a permanent record of an individual’s vote. The smudge-free rich black mark ensures the highest scanning accuracy by authorized ballot scanning machines. Shown below is our new president Barack Obama getting ready to cast his vote last November. If you look closely you can just make out the Pigma Micron 08 in his right hand!
An unidentified poll worker directs Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., to a voting station at the Shoesmith Elementary School in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.
The very accomplished and respected Judy Alderson, Vice President of Sales and Channel Marketing for DIXON TICONDEROGA CO. in Heathrow, Florida has left the company. Any company seeking an executive level sales professional with experience in Office Products and Art should contact Judy directly: Phone-386-423-5238 or email- alderson.judy@yahoo.com